DILI - Nobel Peace Laureate 1996 and the current President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, José Manuel Ramos-Horta awarding the highest honor through the Order of Timor-Leste to former Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the United States of America, Dino Patti Djalal for his work as Timor-Leste's Special Envoy to ASEAN to strengthen friendship, cooperation and solidarity between Timor-Leste ASEAN member states.
President of the Republic and Nobel Peace Laureate, J. Ramos-Horta, hosted the 2026 Presidential Lecture Series IV under the theme “Embracing the Next World Order” at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace.
The event featured a Solemn Ceremony conferring the Order of Timor-Leste upon Dr. Dino Patti Djalal, the highest honor bestowed by the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, established to recognize exceptional contributions to the nation, its people, and humanity.
By Decree of the President of the Republic No. 90/2026, President Ramos-Horta conferred Dr. Dino Patti Djalal with the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste in acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to regional diplomacy, international relations, and peaceful cooperation.
"We extend our deepest appreciation to Dr. Dino Patti Djalal for his service as our Special Envoy to ASEAN, for strengthening the ties of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity between Timor-Leste and ASEAN Member States, for his dedication to his diplomatic role, and for his efforts in fostering closer relations between Timor-Leste and Southeast Asian nations. We also recognize his invaluable contributions in advancing Timor-Leste's interests and positions throughout its ASEAN integration process—through facilitating contacts, enhancing mutual understanding, and promoting regional cooperation. We are profoundly grateful for his service," stated President J. Ramos-Horta.
Dr. Dino Patti Djalal is the Founder and Chairman of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), the largest grassroots foreign policy group in Indonesia, Southeast Asia, and the Indo-Pacific. He previously served as Indonesia's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs (2014) and Ambassador to the United States (2010–2013).
In 2004, he was appointed Special Staff to the President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for International Affairs, acting as Presidential Spokesperson, Speechwriter, and Foreign Policy Adviser. Dr. Djalal holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from the London School of Economics and is a prominent speaker on diplomacy, security, and regional cooperation with a strong focus on youth engagement and citizen diplomacy, championing civil society's role in shaping global conversations.
Following the conferment ceremony, Dr. Djalal delivered the keynote address on "Embracing the Next World Order."
The lecture aims to analyze global realignments and their impact on Southeast Asia in a multipolar world; foster strategic adaptability by helping developing nations build resilience, leverage soft power, and navigate multilateral systems; and engage future leaders by connecting policymakers, diplomats, academics, and youth in dialogue on global challenges and national strategies.
In his keynote address, Dr. Djalal explored how states can constructively adapt to and shape the evolving global architecture, emphasizing the imperative to embrace structural shifts rather than resist them. His discussion covered strategic positioning, regional solidarity within ASEAN, and the critical role of youth and academics in preparing for the next world order.
“We are living through a period of profound transformation. The old-world order is changing, and we are moving towards a new one whose shape has yet to be defined. The challenge before us is to find a new equilibrium - not one dominated by a single power, but one built on dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect. This is where middle powers have an important role to play, and where I place great hope in the younger generation,” he said.
“The future world order will not simply be inherited; you will have the opportunity to help shape it, including by imagining how institutions such as the United Nations can evolve to meet the realities of a changing world. And remember: God is just. He has given each of you a treasure within a unique talent, strength and purpose. Harness that treasure, find your own way, and use it to contribute to building the world you want to live in,” Stated Dino Patti Djalal, Founder & Chairman of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia [FPCI], former Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, and Former Ambassador to the United States.
The event brought together high-level government officials, policy makers, members of the Diplomatic Corps, academics, students and youth representatives. The session was moderated by Ambassador Nelson Santos, Senior Adviser of International Relations and followed by an interactive Q&A segment.
The 2026 Presidential Lecture Series IV remind us to embrace and proactive engagement with global transformations, underscoring Timor-Leste's commitment to playing an active role in shaping a peaceful, cooperative, and inclusive future within the regional and international community.
